Consumer Tip for September 2005

Get prepared now for winter heating bills. We expect that natural gas
prices will be going even higher and here are some things to do now.

1. Call your local gas company now and get on
budget billing to help spread your gas costs out so you don't have extra
high bills in the winter. Budget bills are designed to be just that...easier
on your budget.

2. Take a walk around the outside of your home
and look for caulking that needs to be replaced. Next, look around the
inside for any holes or openings around doors and windows that you can plug
up to prevent drafts into the house. Fix those things now. In a few weeks
when the outside air becomes much cooler, you'll be grateful you found those
easy fixes when you did.

3. Redo any weatherstripping that you may have
applied to the inside of your windows and doors. It may still be in good
shape and you can just make sure it is in the right position to hold back
drafts. If it needs to be replaced, do it now. It is not expensive and can
save much more than it costs!